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A young red panda escaped from a Northern California zoo, and officials there are asking for the public's help to find the animal.

Masala, a 17-month-old red panda, escaped from the Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka Thursday, and someone last reported spotting her early Friday on the outskirts of a nearby golf course, according to a statement from the zoo.

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Masala, a young female red panda, went missing from the Sequoia Park Zoo.Sequoia Park Zoo

"This is about the worst thing that can happen. It should never happen and so were trying to make sure it never does again and just recover her," zoo manager Gretchen Ziegler told NBC affiliate KIEM.

"She should be pretty nervous for encountering all these new things," Ziegler said.

The zoo appealed on social media for people in the area to keep an eye out for the animal and to drive carefully, especially in the dark, when red pandas are more active. "If you see her, please do not approach, but immediately call," the zoo said in the statement.

A Red Panda is missing from Sequoia Park Zoo. If spotted, do not approach, call immediately 707-499-3668 #jointheseach#findmasala